The House of Representatives Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Losses has sought collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to address the persistent stealing of the country’s crude oil. Committee Chairman, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, appealed to the Navy for relevant information to identify those behind the theft.
The committee aims to unravel the culprits responsible for the theft, which has been a major concern for the economy. Doguwa emphasized the economic impact of crude oil theft and its potential threat to national security.
During a special engagement with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Doguwa assured the Navy that any confidential information obtained would be handled with utmost care. The committee has initiated legislative work and plans to conduct public investigative hearings to address malpractices associated with oil theft.
In his remarks, Doguwa highlighted the economic consequences of failing to meet Nigeria’s oil production targets, attributing the shortfall to crude oil theft. The committee recently visited a site where two vessels involved in crude oil theft were arrested in Delta State.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, acknowledged the challenge of oil theft and emphasized the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with other agencies to address the issue. He highlighted the shortage of personnel in overseeing the vast waterways, which cover over 1/10th of Nigeria’s land space.
Ogala mentioned the Navy’s efforts in arresting vessels involved in oil theft, with 34 vessels arrested between July 2023 and the present date. He stressed the importance of collaboration with other agencies, communities, and international organizations to enhance maritime safety and security.
The Naval chief named two desk officers to collaborate with the House committee in addressing crude oil theft.
